The Weekender: 3 Things to Make, Try and Do

TGIF! As with every Friday, Adriane and Claudia Kiss of TheKissters.com, the sisters' website, which features entertaining tips and tricks to help you "live large on small change," give us fun ideas to try, make and do over the weekend. You know, those fun days. Get ready to start filling up your calendar -- fast.

FRIDAY: BRIGHTEN UP WITH A HOMEMADE FACIAL

Got 20 minutes to spare this Friday evening? Before you head out for the night, try Adriane’s homespun honey and lemon mask, which treats dark spots and acne. The lemon juice lightens dark spots and tames acne flair-ups, and the honey is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. So simple!

DIRECTIONS:

Simply cut a lemon in half and drizzle it with a bit of honey. Squeeze the concoction over your face and let set for 20 minutes before rinsing off.

Voila! Your skin is refreshed and repaired, and you barely had to spend a dime.

SATURDAY: MAKE THIS PERFECT TAILGATE PUNCH

Tailgating with friends is one of the best parts of the fall football season. We love this recipe for spiked brandy apple punch because it’s meant to be whipped up in a big batch — perfect to serve to your group at the big game!

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup cranberries (about 4 ounces), thawed if frozen

1 1/2 cups water

1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

3 cups apple cider

3 cups brandy

1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 15 lemons)

3/4 cup maple syrup

1 large Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced, for garnish

Ice

DIRECTIONS:

Place cranberries, 1/4 cup of the water, and the brown sugar in a large bowl and mash with a potato masher until the cranberries are completely smashed and the brown sugar has dissolved slightly. (If you have a food processor or juicing machine, those work as well.)

Add the remaining 1 1/4 cups water, apple cider, brandy, lemon juice, and maple syrup and stir vigorously until well combined and the sugar has completely dissolved. Pour the mixture through a strainer set over a 10-cup pitcher. Discard the solids left in the strainer. Chill for at least 1 hour, or until cold.

Pour into cups filled with ice, and garnish with a thin slice of apple.

SUNDAY: HAVE A GOOD LAUGH

Mindy Kaling’s book Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me is truly hilarious. Claudia read it in less than two days and has been quoting it ever since. If you’re in need of a little me time grab this book, head to an outdoor cafe, and prepare to laugh your butt off! Mindy, we love you so!